Council amends Lions Creek trail contract to fund updated survey; no general fund impact

The Gilroy City Council unanimously approved a contract amendment adding $29,880 to the Dewberry Engineers contract to fund a new topographic survey for the Lions Creek Trail extension design.

Public works staff said the amendment responds to a request from Santa Clara Valley Water (Valley Water), which reviewed earlier 2015 survey data and requested a new survey to reflect changes in the creek and surrounding conditions. The Lions Creek Trail project will extend a paved trail from Kern Avenue to the pedestrian bridge near the terminus of Tapestry Drive adjacent to Christopher High School, creating a continuous trail connection from Farrell and Church to Christopher High.

Staff said the project is funded primarily by three grants; the $29,880 amendment will be paid partly from transportation mobility grant funds ($14,700.85) and gas tax funds ($15,179.15). Staff said no general fund dollars are required for the amendment. The contract increase brings Dewberry’s total contract amount to a not-to-exceed $219,532.26.

Public Works staff reported that intersection improvements and a crosswalk near local schools are part of the project scope and that permitting through Santa Clara Valley Water is required. Councilmember Hilton moved and Councilmember Fugazi seconded the motion to approve the amendment and the associated budget appropriation. The roll call vote was unanimous: Bracco, Klein, Fugazi, Hilton, Marks and Mayor Bozzo voted yes.

The council also adopted a resolution to amend the fiscal year budget to appropriate the $29,880 within the Transportation Mobility Grants and Gas Tax funds as described. Staff said design work is underway and that the survey will support final design and permitting.